Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House opens March 1-31, 2023 for the 60th Annual Woodlawn Needlework Show & tours of Pope-Leighey House. Regular guided tours of Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House will resume mid-April, 2023.
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a place to gatheR, Discuss, learn, EXPERIENCE,
TOUR, CRAFT, CONNECT & explorE
As a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, we believe all Americans deserve to see their history in the places that surround us. At this historic site, we are dedicated to filling in the gaps of our site's cultural heritage, especially the stories of the enslaved, Freed Black communities and their descendants. View our interpretation themes. We are home to two iconic properties and a working farm, all set on 126 historic acres in Alexandria, Virginia. The mansion, built in 1805, was gifted to Nelly Custis and Lawrence Lewis by George Washington. The site was operated as a plantation where the couple enslaved over 90 people. Also on the site is the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Pope-Leighey House where visitors can explore and be inspired by the Usonian architecture and a vision for affordable, well-designed housing. We share the land with our partner Arcadia Farm for Sustainable Agriculture, whose mission is to create a more equitable and sustainable local food system. We also provide activities throughout the grounds and trails for learning, wellbeing, respite, and enjoyment of the natural environment and its history. We bring these stories and discussions to life through immersive experiences, exhibitions, performances, and thought-provoking art.
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On June 19, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger announced General Order No. 3 in Galveston, Texas, declaring the emancipation of all enslaved individuals as directed by the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation. To commemorate this event, freed people in Texas organized the first celebration of “Jubilee Day” one year later on June 19, 1866. In later years, the celebration of Juneteenth spread to Black communities not only in Texas but the larger American south, and even among slave-descendants in Mexico. As we contemplate this history of Juneteenth and the meaning of emancipation, we are reminded of those at Woodlawn who worked to end slavery on the property and create new opportunities for the self-determination of Black communities. Roughly 20 years earlier, Woodlawn began to engage in the radical experiment of creating an integrated agricultural community built on free multiracial labor and land ownership rather than enslaved labor. The daily happenings of this community went against Virginia’s laws and norms at the time, including inclusive church services and integrated schooling. Woodlawn’s journey from a plantation to an integrated community provides an example of progressive change in a deeply hostile era.
Map provided by Martha Claire Catlin, Historian of Alexandria Friends Meeting
At Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House, a nationally significant site,
believes that historic places and sites of all types and periods are obligated to be places of truth-telling and inclusivity. There is much to research, learn, and uncover, especially of the histories that are painful and difficult to discuss.
We value, respect, and support the diverse views and contributions of our communities, and are at our best when supporting diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.
Art installation: “OYA” by Njena Surae Jarvis in Woodlawn Mansion, Makers In The Mansion Exhibit: 2018
Makers in the Mansion
The Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House Historic Site presented Makers in the Mansion: A Transformed African American Community at Woodlawn Through the Artisan Eye, an installation by African American artisans throughout our museum area. Learn more about this influential program that has inspired our current programming by clicking the link below.
Venue Tours & Rentals
Come and take a tour of our property and see for yourself how our various event spaces can match your vision. We offer rentals for private, corporate, and nonprofit events. Connect with our team and start planning your special event today!